Benefits of working at UC

Allowing yourself to take time out to recharge and rest is important for your wellbeing, both for you, and your whānau. There are a number of leave entitlements, both paid and unpaid that are offered at the University to support this.

Leave Benefits

• Annual Leave: 5 weeks for continuing staff
• Sick Leave: 13 days/year
• University Leave: 5 days/year (Easter Tuesday, between Christmas & New Year)
• Parental Leave: 9 weeks UC paid options available* (available to the staff members employed by the University for at least 12 months’ continuous employment)
• Sabbatical (for academic staff) & Professional Development Leave
• Long Service Leave
• Other Leave: Accident, Bereavement/Tangihanga, Discretionary (e.g. cultural, earthquake), Overtime/Time-in-lieu

Flexible Working Options

UC is committed to helping staff achieve a healthy balance between work and the other important aspects of their lives. This means that the implementation of a flexible working alternative may be a practical solution for both you and the University. Where reasonably practicable, flexible working arrangements may be considered. 

Health Insurance

• Southern Cross Group Scheme – Discounted premiums for staff, spouses, and children
• Available to continuing and eligible fixed-term staff
• Easy transfer for existing members

See this Southern Cross Flyer (PDF) for more information.

Life, Trauma & Income Protection

• Mercer Marsh Voluntary Insurance Plan – Competitive rates for:
  • Life Insurance
  • Trauma Cover
  • Income Protection

Superannuation

• UniSaver NZ – UC contributes up to 6.75% for eligible staff 
• KiwiSaver 

To learn more about the two superannuation schemes and eligibility criteria visit:

• UniSaver website
• Kiwisaver website
• Superannuation (for staff only)

Banking

• ANZ Banking Package – Available to continuing staff and fixed-term staff (2+ years)

Resources: 

• ANZ benefits
• Moving to New Zealand

UC’s staff development programme ensures our academic and general staff have the opportunity to grow and contribute to the University’s strategic goals.

We view professional and personal development as an investment that benefits both our people and the wider UC community, offering access to learning, training, and study support opportunities.

Discover exclusive discounts with our new staff discounts platform:

We are excited to introduce a new platform - UC Staff Discounts that brings together a wide range of exclusive deals in one easy-to-use place. Staff can now access discounts across shopping, entertainment, and travel, from retailers such as Woolworths, New World, Mitre 10, Noel Leeming, Briscoes and many more.

This platform makes it simple to explore and take advantage of these savings, helping you get more out of everyday purchases as part of the UC community.

Other Discounts:

In addition to the new platform, staff can also access a range of existing discounts from selected retailers and service providers.

These ongoing offers provide savings across everyday products and services, supporting your wellbeing and engagement at work.

Staff intranet. This is link is for current staff only.

UC provides staff with a wide range of facilities and services designed to support their work, health, and wellbeing. Staff can access campus libraries, fitness and recreation facilities, on-campus health services including GP care, early childhood centres, and a variety of flexible workspaces.

Staff Wellbeing

UC recognises and celebrates kaimahi - staff as our greatest asset. A key focus is to enhance and support wellbeing, enabling kaimahi to be their best and thrive at UC. 

Wellbeing Resources

Staff have access to dedicated wellbeing resources, including a variety of tools, inspirations, tips, and guidance to support everyday wellbeing. In addition, several wellbeing initiatives are available at any time to further support health, resilience, and engagement.

Wellbeing Initiatives

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Kaihāpai Oranga | Wellbeing Supporters
• Mental Health First Aid